The collaboration: Alfred Julius x Activist Eyewear

The launch party went off with out a hitch. Now I present to you the lookbook of the collaboration. If you love what you see, please don’t hesitate and go to  Activist Eyewear and purchase your set today!!!

May the day bring you joy,


Chike Atu, founder and head designer

The Collaboration: Alfred Julius x Activist Eyewear

   With the open spirits of the gents of Activist Eyewear, We were able to make something really special happen. I will be posting ALOT of pics the night and how it went down... I’m thankful and the journey has just begun.

May the day bring you joy, 

Chike Atu, founder and head designer

We DID IT!!!!

Hello Family,


    Its been a little time since I last posted simply because.... well.... I have been working.. and tweaking some kinks before Alfred Julius 1st public debut. It was HARD and I appreciate every moment of it. This hard work, ideally will lead to something of great feats and lead to success for the brand and all involved. Thank you family for supporting me and all the crazy ideas I might have.



May the day bring you joy,

Chike Atu, founder and head designer

Alfred Julius: What’s in a name??

Dear Family,
     
       Over the process of launching a brand, I have been dealing with a lot of details that I want to be part of the Alfred Julius presentation. What fabrics do I want to have in the initial collection?, what the ultimate design is?, what’s the price point?, who is my customer?, and What will I name these design choices?
    Well we at Alfred Julius are proud to announce the official names of the 5 original designs that will be part of the ground breaking collection. Yes, even the names go into deep consideration. At Alfred Julius nothing is by mistake or by chance, we strive to make a quality impact on the world of Men’s accessories. Proud to reveal the names (no pics, yet).

The Regnant Collection

The Baron

The Gent

The Viceroy

The Potentate

The Opulent

May the day bring you joy,


Chike Atu, founder and head designer.

P.s. Nothing wrong with looking up any unfamiliar words being used. Trust me, we used the references to make sure each word was true to the Alfred Julius brand.

Alfred Julius: Gentlemen of Alfred Julius

Hello Family,


    Last night I was struck with an idea. It is not even 24 hours old, but I think it continues to implement the lifestyle I want the brand Alfred Julius to convey to the world. I want to start a men’s mentor program, small initially, that will start in a local high school and hopefully eventually branching out from that base.
     The name of the program would be “Gentlemen of Alfred Julius”. It would give me the opportunity to introduce the youth to different worldly cultures. Teach the young gentlemen what different opportunities are right in front of them. I have no intentions of this being a “Men’s Fashion” club, but more depth then that... leaning more toward encouraging this ideal group of 20 young men to pursue their dreams wholeheartedly.
     I already made a nice little brainstorm layout of how it would be done and the different components of the group. I have a quality list of That is the goal I have with Alfred Julius, to make the brand truly a lifestyle. Something that reaches beyond buying a bowtie. The bowtie is simply an extension of the man, if the man is built weak, he will crumble anyways, despite how nice his accessories are.
    As I near closer and closer to “officially” launching the brand for commerce purposes. I will continue to work with my team to find other ways to expand culturally to solidify my purpose for Alfred Julius the lifestyle.



“...Alfred Julius, for the masculine gentlemen.”




May the day bring you joy,

Chike Atu, founder and head designer

Alfred Julius: Music

The Roots - How I Got Over

  This is just a great motivational track. Just gets the spirit going and keeps me motivated to keep pushing for my day of “success”. How my “success” will be defined is still pending....

May the day bring you joy,

Chike Atu, founder and head designer

Alfred Julius: Inspiration

Sunday’s Best, Chicago 1941

     This is currently the inspiration for the ad campaign I will do for Alfred Julius, S/S 2012 and the official launch of the brand. The image is timeless and still has so much life rooted in it. I have countless friends and associates that have this image hanging in their places of work and home out of honor and reminder of class. I want to let it be the base of inspiration and “flip it” as they say in my neck of the woods. I have the shoot all planned out. Just need the models, the car, and of course the Bowties!

May the day bring you joy,

Chike Atu, founder and head designer

Alfred Julius: Advice

“...despite how painful and boring it may be, before starting down a path make sure you make a map of where you want the company to go...” - Woodson D. Walker




May the day bring you joy,


Chike Atu, founder and head designer

Alfred Julius: Collaboration

col·lab·o·rate:

 [kuh-lab-uh-reyt]

verb (used without object), -rat·ed, -rat·ing.

to work, one with another

Alfred Julius: Priorities

   I received today, what will be one of the most important purchases for the Alfred Julius brand. That is the custom Die shape for my bowtie design. It might look like just some metal, wood, and screws, but for me its the beginning of my dreams coming into fruition. The distinct shape and size of an Alfred Julius Bowtie is something we pride ourselves on. We continue to push the limits of design and fabric selection everyday.  I’m thankful to have this part of the manufacturing portion of my brand complete. Next month... we begin the process of getting e-commerce website! Times are exciting and moving, come with us on the journey.


Hope the day brings you joy,

Chike, founder and head designer

^DIE  (d)

n. pl. dies or dice (ds)

1. pl. dies A device used for cutting out, forming, or stamping material, especially.

Alfred Julius: Aloe Blacc (update)

Hello Family,

      Well that was quick! Late last week I got a great email from Aloe Blacc, letting me know that he had the opportunity to perform on the German talk show, Harald Schmidt, and he wore his special made Alfred Julius Red Perforated Leather Bowtie. He has been a great support of the brand, Alfred Julius, and will always have our support in return. Thank you, Aloe Blacc for your generosity.



May the day bring you joy,

Chike Atu, founder and head designer

p.s. Click the link to see the Man and the bowtie in action.

Aloe Blacc

Alfred Julius: Aloe Blacc 2nd Edition

     First off let me say, I’m not stalking Aloe Blacc!... but it does seem I post about him often. The brother is incredibly talented and he serves as a huge inspiration to the Alfred Julius brand.  I had the great opportunity to speak with him after his latest show, he spoke highly of the last gifting (Blacc Leather with Camo Band). He said the was able to put some good milage on his last European Tour. It was only right to bless him with another piece, this time inspired by his “Good Things” album cover. It is the S/S ’12 Red Perforated Leather Bowtie, with button snap closure. It truly a beautiful and unique piece. The moment of exchange was captured we great skill by Walter Pinkney.

May the day bring you joy,

Chike Atu, founder and head designer

Alfred Julius: Official Logo (patent pending)

This will be the official logo of the Alfred Julius Brand (patent pending). I’m pleased with the very minor tweaks we made and ready for the next step of the Journey...

(patent pending)

May the day bring you joy,

Chike Atu, founder and head designer

Alfred Julius: The Journey

Hello my family,


    It’s been far too long, but I’ve been busy... really busy actually. I made a very smart move and finally have a very creative graphic artist, who has the same vision I have for the brand. One can’t do it ALL by themselves and I have learned that. So my “main man”, Jeremy Paten is welcomed whole heartedly. Also a tighter logo will be posted... like next post! LOL.  I have also continued to work on being comfortable during the networking moments. These are things as a business man and designer that you will be faced on “The Journey”.
   I have also become stronger in business. There are many levels that I’m facing in just trying to get something as simple, yet classic as a bowtie. Taking quotas and finding the best bet for your money is smart thing to do. I took a lead on a manufacture of Dye’s (cut pattern, typically made of metal) in NYC and doing this actually saved me $350. That’s not millions of dollars, but when working independent, its a bundle.
    These little things are what making my journey a little more enjoyable. Keeping the humble spirit alive and asking for help when needed and listening to advice when given. I feel as a team, Alfred Julius is only getting smarter and stronger. The vision is clear. Alfred Julius, for the masculine gentlemen.


May the day bring you joy,

Chike Atu, founder and head designer

Alfred Julius: Music

OutKast - Growing Old

This is easily one of my favorite songs of all-time. With every listen the song encourages me to keep going, because no matter what the current state is in my life/career, change is inevitable. It’s up to me to make that change a positive one. Thank you OutKast and Dungeon Family, respectively. 

May the day bring you joy, 

Chike Atu, founder and head designer

Alfred Julius: Business Relationships

   It’s quite simple. You never know who you might meet or might need for assistance in your business career. Some say never burn a bridge.... I say never expect someone to re-build the bridge for you. I will forever be humble and respectable in business and personal matters. Remaining humble allows for any and all relationships to be mended and once again profitable. I’ve learned this through experience, not just conversations.



May the day bring you joy,

Chike Atu, founder and head designer

Alfred Julius: Vision

vi.sion [vizh - uh n] noun : the act or power of anticipating that which will or may come to be.


     As a business person, not only in the creative world, one needs to have a vision on how they want their company to convey in everyday dealings. This is something I take very serious and in recent years have truly understood better with my dealings at my day job. When I interact with clients for suiting or custom bowties, they tell me their respected companies expect them to be an extended visual part of the brand in or out of the office.
    With Alfred Julius, I want to continue to help make the vision clear. The brand represents quality, luxury, creative, and a long lasting product that will only enhance the wardrobe. This is a lifestyle. As a team I want Alfred Julius to be an introduction of Masculine Gentleman.
  
       Alfred Julius as a man never cut corners and the brand, Alfred Julius, is no different. We at Alfred Julius will present only the finest fabrications with the most thought out designs and presentations. Please join the journey and enjoy every stitch and tie.


May the day bring you joy,

Chike Atu,  founder and head designer

Alfred Julius: Testimony

“Thank you for the bowtie. Now I’ll have my summer swag rriiiiggghhhttt. “ - D’Brickashaw Ferguson






A strong supporter of Alfred Julius recently tied the knot and it was only right for us to show back the support he has shown to us. We sent a custom piece to friend of family, D’Brickashaw Ferguson on his special day. In response he sent an appreciated testimony on his cotton bowtie.



May the day bring you joy,

Chike Atu, founder and head designer

Alfred Julius: Yin - Yang

    I’m still working on perfecting my sewing and shape. One should never stop learning and growing. The black was a commissioned piece, so in response, I made a white one to keep centered. Both are made from a beautiful lambskin leather.




May the day bring you joy,

Chike Atu, founder and head designer

Alfred Julius: 100 Years of Kappa

   The idea to release a limited edition bowtie for the historically recognized fraternity, Kappa Alpha Psi, was originally brought to my attention by my business team. Although I don’t belong to any fraternity, my business Alfred Julius team does consist of men from Kappa background. I am also aware of the appreciation the Kappa fraternity has for bowties, so it was a natural fit.
      From there I began swatching and deciding what fabric best represents Alfred Julius and Kappa at the same time.  Using classic seersucker cotton with the color way of Crismon and White, it really represented my Southern roots as well showing homage to the men of Kappa. It is my pleasure to have the opportunity to have my work on display in Indiana this past week for the Kappa Alpha Psi, 100 year Konklave. It is actually also my first national debut outside of this web space, so I’m nervous and excited to see what the feedback will be from the team in our next conference call.
      While I’m still working on finding a manufacture that meets my requirements, I actually made all bowties by hand with love and care. That ’s 14 limited edition cotton gingham seersucker bowties for the great men of Kappa, and 4 pigskin leather/suede bowties for my Alfred Julius team. It wasn’t easy, this is the most I’ve ever made at one time, but I’m very proud of the results. Hope you enjoy!



May the day bring you joy,

Chike Atu, founder and head designer

Alfred Julius: Coming Soon

More Information coming soon... 

May the day bring you joy,

Chike Atu, founder and head designer

Alfred Julius: Manufactures

   

man.u.fac.ture : N: the making of articles on a large scale using machinery

      Every designer starts from square one. Creation. You have an idea and you want to figure out how to bring it to life.... Well that’s how it happened for me. From 9th grade, I’ve been making things on my own. I won a $500 Hobby Lobby gift card (local craft store) and I’ve been hooked ever since. 

    

    Over time I’ve only taken that initial love and let it lead me into a career of creation. In this career, also known as fashion, the highly successful brands are manufactured. This is where a factory, from here or there, make your dreams come to life at a mass amount. The more I continue to push the limits of what I want my designs to be, I am also faced with the opposition of “The Man”ufacture. 

   

    I have to continue to remind myself, there are limits to what can be massed produced. I make all of my samples and commissions by hand one at a time with a little bit of soul. So every time I meet with a new company that can eventually be the factory for me, I hear many of the same things. “...you are very ambitious...” or “...you made this?!”... and my favorite “... you can’t afford for me to make this for you...”.  

       Well as a young designer you can’t allow this to discourage you. In fact it has only pushed me. I want to continue to have ideas that make manufactures blush. Actually in my last meeting with a manufacture I was asked if I could show how I was able to cut, sew, and tie a leather bowtie, as if I forever changed this owner’s perspective! LOL... Loved that moment. He still wasn’t able to make them for me, but it felt good to make his day.

      

      The decision I’ve made is to just keep growing and building and asking for God to continue to bless me with the ability to make my ideas come into fruition. Until I can find a manufacture that is willing to take on a brand that is prepared to push the envelope at every opportunity, my journey will continue from my apartment in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn.

May the day bring you joy,

Chike Atu, founder and head designer

Alfred Julius: Where have you been???

  
Dear Alfred Julius Supporter,

     Its been a little over 2 weeks since my last post and hopefully you have been wondering, "Where is Alfred Julius??”. Well in the last 2 weeks I been working... working hard to achieve my dream of making my dreams, a brand. I have earned my “Button, needle, and thread” tattoo, sewing literally every free moment I get until falling asleep at night. Working a full-time job isn’t easy when trying to find balance for your own business venture.
  
     I had meetings with manufactures, designed new bowties for upcoming events, and have been commissioned for custom pieces from non-relatives (family always supports). I will be giving you individual updates on all those things in the near future... Like today!
  
     I am truly encouraged by the growth that I have achieved in the last 3 months. It is one kind of pleasure to hear from people that they see you working hard and see the progress you have made. It is a whole other type of satisfaction to actually feel yourself growing up and taking life with a focused vision on what you want it to be. Please stay tuned for the vision and the fruition.

May the day bring you joy (despite the NY rain)

Chike Atu, head designer and founder

Alfred Julius: Levi Strauss & Co. II

   This is the Levi’s inspired, Alfred Julius Spring Denim Bowtie. Made from recycled denim, brass rivet and brass shank neck closure. The personality truly shows in this piece. Why say anything, when the bowtie can do the talking? A true standout at any occasion. Hope you enjoy.

Hope the day brings you joy,

Chike Atu, founder and head designer

Alfred Julius: Levi Strauss & Co.

      During late night brainstorm sessions, I think about what I want this company to represent and where I would like it to eventually lead to. Ideally, Alfred Julius, will evolve into a “Lifestyle Brand” and not a fad that passes with the time.
     I am influenced and encouraged by brands, like my previous “Collaboration” effort, Tiffany’s. These brands represent a level of creative integrity, as well long lasting quality. My latest ideal collaboration would be with the brand, Levi’s. I know putting this design out there is risky, but I’m going to roll with it.                    
      Regardless of collaboration or not, I will be releasing a denim bowtie for each upcoming season. The following will be the F/W ’11 effort , with raw selvedge denim and brass rivet, I feel its a true standout from the rest. Hope you feel the same. If anyone has Levi’s contact info, feel free to pass it this way!


Hope the day brings you joy,

Chike Atu, founder and head designer

Alfred Julius: Aloe Blacc (update)

    I mentioned a couple weeks ago, Aloe Blacc is currently one of my favorite artist in music. Well this past evening I had the honor of finally seeing him live! I was not disappointed. He truly put on a great show of his album “Good Things” with a couple surprises. It was him and his band... a very, very TIGHT BAND!

    With that said, I was also on a mission. I brought with me a custom piece I made specifically for him.... In “Blacc Leather” of course. He was very humble and appreciative man. It was a short chat, but the energy was positive. No pics, wanted to keep it professional in our initial encounter. I have attached some snaps from the night as well the piece I presented him with.


May the day bring you joy,

Chike Atu, founder and head designer

 Apparently Aloe Blacc already got the Bow-Tie Memo

Alfred Julius: Business Cards

    Finally getting new business cards for the Alfred Julius brand. Business cards are very, very important to have in my line of business. You don’t have to have the most amazing, expensive cards in the whole wiiiiddddeee world to be effective. Just simply something to pass along for easy contact info for any potential buyers, partners, or  collaborators.  Its the “old-fashion” was to exchange contacts. Although, a business card exchange isn’t always a necessary tool to have in some encounters. Sometimes the direct exchange, from phone to mouth is the most efficient way to meet people. So feel out the mood and take your best shot.... Good LUCK!


May the day bring you joy,

Chike’ Atu, founder and head designer

Alfred Julius: Advice

    There are many lessons I have learned over the past 5 years in the pursuit of my dream in Menswear. One lesson that I learned over time, that came to fruition on Wednesday, is.... If you aren’t in the process of making money, Answer your phone when it rings! Period. Very simple rule.
     Wednesday, my only weekday off from work, I was adventuring into Soho on route for inspiration and to visit the new Cole Haan Flagship Shoe store, I received a phone call from a family friend in a frantic situation. She needed bowties and quick! Thankfully, she thought of me for this problem she was faced with. She had a shoot with HIGHLY reguarded photographer, Marc Baptiste.... yes, the MARC BAPTISTE!  and needed bowties for the shoot in an hour. I ripped and a ran to gather bowties for showing. The next thing I know I’m adjusting bowties on a Marc Baptiste set, while he shot Alfred Julius originals.
    So a word of advice from one beginner to another. Answer the phone and be ready to deliver at any given moment, the time is always, NOW O’clock.


May the day bring you joy,

Chike’ Atu, founder and head designer

Alfred Julius: Tiffany & co.

      I have always been inspired all things luxury through out my life. What defined what “Luxury” actually was has changed over the years. From environment, education, and experience, my taste has changed. One company that remained true to me over basically a lifetime is the brand, Tiffany & co. I have attached an open letter to Tiffany’s Creative Directors, John Truex and Richard Lambertson.  I sent with hope that they would receive it one day. (The email I sent bounced back like a basketball)

~ Mr. Truex and Mr. Lambertson,

    

     My name is Chike’ Atu, founder and designer of Alfred Julius, a men’s accessories line specializing in traditional bow ties made of luxury and unique fabrications such as leathers, fine wools, woven silks, velvets and classic silk fabrications.

 

     While working on designs and brainstorming, I decided a dream collaboration for my company would be with a brand that isn't a Men's Clothing company. This led me to Tiffany's, a brand that has space to possibly expand their accessories reach in the Men's design field. With that in mind, I created a sample bow tie. It is a perforated lambskin leather bow tie in the classic Tiffany's blue. The distinctive shape and snap closure that will be associated with original Alfred Julius pieces is part of the design. I have attached an inspiration design page with a close up of the completed sample.

    

     Any and all feedback is welcomed and requested. If this is something you might be interested in discussing further, I can be reached via email at chikeatu@gmail.com or phone call ___________.

May the day bring you joy,

Chike Atu, ceo and head designer ~

Alfred Julius

Alfred Julius: Music

  

Big K.R.I.T - Dreamin'

 I was born and raised below the Mason Dixie. Therefore, That makes me Southern. I’m the youngest of five siblings. Therefore, That makes me influenced. These are two things I share with the very very talent MC, Big K.R.I.T. He is Southern to the bottom of his feet and I can hear the cadence when he tells his Southern tales of growing up in the 90’s and 00’s. With every track buy him, you can hear the influence from the Southern greats, Scarface, UGK, MJG, Outkast, Goodie Mob. He currently has two GREAT “mixtapes”, more like albums in rotation on my iPod rotation “Krit wuz here” and “Return 4 Eva". I choose one track in particular,”Dreamin”, because it reminds me of growing up in Little Rock and the dreams I had. I was basically wishing on a star, some encouraged, some laughed, But I never stopped “Dreamin” on what I wanted to accomplish in life. Thank you Krit, Keep on telling your story to a funky southern beat.

Hope the day brings you joy,

Chike Atu, ceo and head designer

Alfred Julius: Nick Gilbert

This is kind of testimony on who I really am as a person. I’m slightly goofy, sentimental, creative, and fearless.


I currently don’t watch cable TV, saving for a trip and every dollar counts, so I didn’t actually see the NBA Lottery this year. As a result I was immediately contacted by friends and family when the Cavs some how won two picks in Top 4?! Conspiracy? Nope. Dan Gilbert, Cavs owner, allowed his son to be the good luck charm for the team this year. Sure enough it worked to his Godly favor! His son, Nick Gilbert, was also there to bring awareness to the disease; Neurofibromatosis, a tumor disorder. This made me think of my sister whom has suffered from Epilepsy since she was 16 and the profound effect it had on my life growing up with her and the strength she showed despite the disability. His testimony was really touching and then I saw a pic of him! Sure enough the young gladiator was wearing a bowtie on the night of the improbable! So the next day I ran to the fabric store and made a  personal piece just for him. With a little research, I was able to acquire the PR Dept. address and off it went, a personally made bowtie for Nick Gilbert. Did he receive it? I may never know. Am I happy I sent it? Hell Yeah. Hope he enjoys it.




May the day bring you joy,


Chike Atu, founder and head designer

      Patchwork Madras, with a hint of Cavs/Browns colorway

 Alfred Julius Packaging

Alfred Julius: Sample LookBook

I shot the Alfred Julius Sample Lookbook earlier this year. It really helped me to start to capture some of my ideas and just start to build a portfolio for people to see. After shooting I sent out to many tastemakers and people I truly respect their style and vision. I received a lot constructive criticism, that is something any and everyone needs. Art/Fashion school provided me with enough to see if when someone is full of shit or if the sincerely want me to do better and more forward towards my dreams (more on that later). Hope you enjoy and feel free to leave feedback. REMEMBER these are just samples, the official pieces for Fall/Winter ’11 and Spring/Summer ’12 will be more refined and even better! Thank you to my models Abdoul and Donsi.



May the day bring you joy,

Chike Atu, founder and head designer

                                                Wool Tartan                          Cotton Kente

                                                 Twill Wool                 Water Proof Nylon Camo

                                                Ultra Suede             Raw Selvedge Denim w/ Brass Rivet

                                            Small Wail Cord         Heavy Silk Woven (Chanel)

                                             Purple Velvet                           Silk Quilt

                                           Wool Houndstooth             Black Heather Wool

                                             Silk Pleated Tux           Black Lambskin Leather